ABOUT JMAXX

Durban born, Justin Eglin, aka JMAXX is a rare talent, displaying a deep understanding of South Africa's various black cultural influences. With a zest for RMB, Kwaito, Hip-Hop and House mixed with a flavour of Techno Pop, he is preparing to explode into the South African music scene with a fresh new sound. Coming from a Portuguese mother, a Jewish father and German grandfather, he boldly ventures into the world of rhythm.

His craving to express himself through this deeply rooted mix of genres from different nationalities and cultures, has been coming to maturity over the last few years. At an early age Gospel was his introduction into the magical world of music and sounds. He says, “I can still see myself at the young age of six singing in the family church with my father, my was my greatest inspiration, himself a successful producer, writer and musician of gospel music, who composed some well-known songs published in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Justin started singing in school plays just for the enjoyment of it and continued on that path throughout his scholastic career.

His love for the African beats and rhythmic influences forges a complex character, searching for release. This driving force feeds his desire, pushing him forward, expressing itself through song; a curiosity then becomes a hobby to write and compose his own melodies and lyrics, and then finally, late in 2008 it culminates in the evolution of JMAXX.

Inherently very soft-spoken, bordering on a shy introvert with a passion for animals, he speaks with a determination and flaunts a “never say die” attitude. JMAXX declares: “I recognize that knowledge can be very powerful”. He believes scholars and the youth must never give up on their dreams, stressing that there is no word like "can’t", and if you put your mind to it, anything is possible. “People can strip you of everything, but they cannot and will not take away my dreams and my knowledge” he testifies.

JMAXX sees Michael Jackson and Madonna as role models, displaying their same, “never give up” approach towards life and success. Even though life beats you into the ground, people ridicule you, and challenges gets you down, JMAXX believes it is in those circumstances that your character is established and matured. This is the time when your greatest essence is released and miracles start happening. Then with a determination in his eyes he expresses loudly,” I love taking risks and will continue challenging myself to be the best I can be.”

He portrays a childlike craziness, and displays an invincible courageous spirit when he steps onto a stage.” This is the place he was born to be. Here, he is free to entertain patrons and fans with an energy and passion that has no bounds. JMAXX projects an inner strength, more like a power of being in total control, conveying his feelings through this powerful medium of music. The air is immediately highly charged and he stops and shouts from the stage, “all I want is to liberate the fans, let them enjoy the power of my energy.”

His development from strength to strength has culminated in the release of several albums, the most recent being ‘Born To Be Famous’, mostly contemporary pop. Each song has its own flavor, features remakes of cover songs, with a mix of new songs "that caters for all music fans across racial lines".

“Born To Be Famous” is in stores and on line. His music videos, produced by Orcansu Productions, were broadcast on SABC, Channel O (Channel 320 on DSTV) and ETV with nationwide exposure on most radio stations. Currently his songs are featured on RSG and Jacaranda. Purchases for his album are available on Kalahari.net, at Jump Shopping, Bowline Music, Take Two, CD Warehouse, Musica, Reliable Music and at Look and Listen.